ARCHBOLD WEATHER

Planning Commission Approves Requests From Jim King, School Board





Archbold Planning Commission unanimously approved conditional requests from Jim King of Royal Images and Archbold High School, Monday, Feb. 25.

King asked to use part of his studio at 911 East Lutz Road, Archbold, as a family home. The structure was built as a home many years ago.

Board members asked King to inform any future owner of the structure that the property is zoned commercial. A future owner will be required to have a zoning hearing for the property.

The conditional use request was unanimously approved. Carma Grime, Archbold zoning inspector, said the request must also go before Archbold Village Council.

Test Wind Tower

APC members approved a request for a test wind tower at Archbold High School during the meeting. David Deskins, Archbold Area Schools superintendent, said a tower is being studied, but no decision has been reached on the project.

If it is constructed, it will probably be placed west of the high school, near the railroad tracks. It will have anchor wires.

Electricity generated by the wind turbine will reduce the amount purchased from Toledo Edison.

In the early planning stages, the tower has received approval from the Evangelical Mennonite Church. Other adjoining property owners have been informed of the project.

According to the superintendent, “We have made no decisions related to wind power.”

He said a wind tower offers a great learning experience for students and a great benefit for the community.

Test towers are in use for about 12 to 16 months to determine the amount of wind available. The summer and winter wind tests are the most important, according to Deskins.

Some Ohio schools are generating wind power and reducing their dependency on commercial electric power.

Deskins, in his second year heading Archbold schools, said the school district spends huge amounts of money for electricity. He has contacted local, regional, and state officials to learn about wind tower regulations and policies.

Tony Urbas, an engineer, said some townships have wind tower regulations.

Steve Brown, Fulton County planning official, said county townships might require towers to be placed on at least five acres of land. He added some county farmers are interested in wind turbines.

APC meets Monday, March 31, 7 p.m. in the municipal building.


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